SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE
ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
RECORD GROUP NUMBER
RG 147
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Building Records,
ca. 1956-1990
Written by
Jeffrey Monseau
November, 2011
Shelf space occupied 1.2 linear feet
Number of boxes 3 box
INFORMATION ON USE OF THE COLLECTION
TERMS OF ACCESS AND USE
Unrestricted
PREFERRED CITATION
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information (in addition to any other information required by the citation style being used):
RG147 – Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Building Records, box #, folder #, Archives and Special Collections, Springfield College, Springfield, Mass.
HISTORY OF THE COLLECTION
There was no formal acquisition of the materials for this collection. The collection is artificially created. Materials were received from different places at different times. The Acquisition sources and dates of the materials are unknown.
Collection arranged by Jeffrey Monseau, November, 2011.
ARRANGEMENT
Since this is an artificially created collection there is no original order to the overall collection. The collection is organized as follows: general information, newspaper articles, facilities materials, dedication materials, and photographs of the exterior of the building. Where ever possible the original order of the folder was kept, this is particularly true for the “Articles & Documents Scrapbook Collection” Folders. Digitized materials are in the order they were scanned.
RELATED MATERIALS
In Archives and Special Collections, Springfield College, Springfield, Mass.:
Digital Collections – For all Digital Images of Photographs and Documents
RG 110- Springfield College Building and Grounds Records
Springfield College Trustee Records
Springfield College Marketing and Communication Records--Scrapbooks and News Clippings
RG 114 – Allied Health Sciences Center Records
Office of the President, Glenn Olds Records
School of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies Records
Springfield College Yearbook Collection
Springfield College Catalog Collection
Springfield College Newspaper Collection
Collections outside of Springfield College
Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, Mass.
SEARCH TERMS AND SUBJECTS
The following terms represent persons, organizations, and topics documented in this collection.
International Young Men’s Christian Association College
Springfield College
Springfield College--Buildings
Allied Health Sciences Center
Basketball Hall of Fame
Basketball--History
Hickok, Edward J.
Naismith, James, 1861-1939
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame first opened to the public on February 18, 1968 as an independent entity on the Springfield College campus. The original Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was constructed on the Springfield College Campus because of the college’s deep connections to the sport of basketball. After all, it was where Dr. James Naismith, a faculty member at Springfield College, in 1891 first hung up the peach baskets that were the forerunners of today’s hoops. In addition, along with Naismith, Dr. Edward Hickox was the driving force behind the Hall’s creation and many members of the College’s faculty have sat on national rules committee since the creation of basketball until today.
Ground was broken for the construction of the Basketball Hall of Fame on September 11, 1959. Then, on November 6, 1961, a Basketball Commemoration Day was held in the Memorial Field House at Springfield College to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of James Naismith, as well as the 70th anniversary of the birth of the game, which would be in December. More than 2,500 guests gathered on the campus to pay tribute to the popular sport, including former players, coaches, and officials. The Hall of Fame Cornerstone Ceremony was held on this same day.
Although ground was broken for the Hall of Fame in 1959, the building was not completed until l968. Mostly this was due to the difficulty of securing the funds necessary to build the hall. The estimated cost of the first wing of the building was $400,000 and the total estimated cost of the Basketball Hall of Fame was $1,156,400. Originally the first wing of the building was hoped to be completed on November 6, 1961, the same day as the Commemoration Ceremony, a goal that was not realized. In a May 1963 monthly report and news bulletin for the Hall of Fame, money still needed to be donated in hopes of opening the Naismith Wing of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame before the end of 1964. The total amount raised at that time was only $195,000, meaning that not even half of the money needed to complete first phase had been raised. The money was finally raised, and, at long last, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame was completed in 1968. On Sunday, February 18, 1968 the building was opened to the public. A special “Pre-view” Open House was offered on Saturday, February 17th for news, media, local donors, and all members of Springfield College faculty and staff.
Interestingly enough, the Hall of Fame was built in the shape of a basketball court: rectangular. The building housed a living history of basketball, in which a museum, library, auditorium, gymnasium, Honors Court for inductees, a film storage room, and display booths were constructed. The heart of the building was the Honors Court. Each basketball pioneer had their own ten foot high window made of Lucite. The shape and style of these windows, known as lancet windows, were common architectural features of gothic churches and cathedrals. The Honors Court was created using lancet windows and 'stained-glass' which have strong religious associations, dim lighting, and an intimate setting in effort to create a chapel-like setting. This effort was made not only to honor Hall of Famers but also to honor Naismith's connection to his religion. The room also contained a statue of Dr. Naismith and a case exhibiting the first rules of the game of basketball. When the Basketball Hall of Fame was moved to downtown Springfield, these windows were sent to the institutions associated with the Inductees. Springfield College’s Inductees windows are held in the Physical Education Complex, outside of Blake Arena.
The building also housed a replica of the original court where the first game was played, the School for Christian Workers, as Springfield College was originally known when it was founded in 1885, building on the corner of State and Sherman streets in Springfield, Massachusetts. The court was based on the original dimensions of the gymnasium, though scaled down in size. It had a circular hole in the ceiling that acted as a balcony where visitors could look down on the court from the floor above. The court included the progression of how basketball hoops changed over time, including the peach baskets. Nearby, lining the sidelines of the court, were exhibits, including one with the uniforms worn by the Original Boston Celtics, an Olympic Games Basketball Championships exhibit, and other memorabilia. The museum itself contained souvenirs, and notes about the founder, former players, coaches, teams, and institutions.
The Edward J. and Gena G. Hickox library was also housed inside the building. It contained complete historical coverage of the game to the present time as well as books, magazines, papers, and other printed materials pertaining to basketball for the purpose of providing a working library for students of the game.
In an article dated February 16, 1969, nearly a year after the Hall of Fame had been finished; about 16,500 visitors came through the turnstiles. In fact, 1,198 people visited the Hall of Fame on the first day it was open to the public. Also, $72,000 had been collected over the year, contributing to the Hall of Fame’s success.
The Hall of Fame building was reverted to Springfield College in 1985 when the original building outgrew its quarters. The Hall of Fame’s Board elected to move the museum to a site adjacent to U.S. Interstate Highway, I-91, on the banks of the Connecticut River in downtown Springfield. This $13 million project was completed in June, 1985. The third and present Hall of Fame was built directly next this building, opening in 2002.
After the Hall of Fame left, Springfield College President Frank S. Falcone announced his plan to spend $1.6 million to renovate the former Hall of Fame into a center for integrated instruction, research, and community service for those in Health Related Professions (HRPs). The renovated building was completed in September, 1988 and dedicated on April 13, 1989. At the ceremony, leading donors were recognized, including Trustee Thomas B. Wheeler, President of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, spoke at the dedication. The building is now called the Allied Health Sciences Center.
CHRONOLOGY
1959 Sept. 11th- Ground broken for the construction of the James Naismith Basketball Hall of
Fame
1961 Nov. 6th- Basketball Commemoration Day at Springfield College Memorial Field House
1961 Nov. 6th- Hall of Fame Cornerstone Ceremony
1963 May- So far only $195,000 out of $400,000 raised for construction of first wing
1964 September- Goal of reaching $250,000 in Greater Springfield area complete with a total
of $251,749.11.
1968 Feb. 18th- Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame construction completed on Springfield
College’s Campus and was first opened to the public; museum was an independent entity
1969 Feb. 16th- Nearly one year after opening, 16,500 visitors attended the Hall of Fame total,
raising $72,000
1985 Basketball Hall of Fame is reverted to Springfield College
1985 June- Hall of Fame is replaced by $13 million museum located in its current site adjacent
to I-91
1987 President Frank S. Falcone’s report highlights the need for a building to house HRPs
1987 Former Hall of Fame renovated during the spring to be the new Allied Health Sciences
Center
1988 September- Allied Health Sciences Center completed
1989 April 13th- Dedication of Allied Health Sciences Center
1989 April 13th- Thomas B. Wheeler, President of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
Company and Chairman of local campaign committee speaks at Dedication Ceremony
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection documents Basketball Hall of Fame Building from its conception in the 1950’s to its dedication in 1968 and its life as the Basketball Hall of Fame until it was closed in 1985 and eventually changed into the Allied Health Sciences Center. The collection contains a variety of materials including photographs of the original Architect Sketches by Munson and Mallis, Inc. of Springfield, Mass. The sketches are contained in a portfolio prepared by them, a lifetime certificate of Membership to the Basketball Hall of Fame for Robert R. Thompson, National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) lists of membership up to 1992, and a Naismith Memorial Fund binder containing donation information to the fund up to 1945. Of particular interest is a document outlining the NABC Resolution on the Hall of Fame, dated March 24, 1966, complete Annual Report Mailings (with original mailing envelopes) from 1952-1962 (some missing – see folder list), and some official Basketball Hall of Fame Souvenir Booklets, including a 1982 one that is signed by some of the inductees to the Hall. There are materials from the 100th anniversary celebration in 1991 at the Basketball Hall of Fame, including invitations, programs, the commemorative stamp and Springfield College specific information including special invitations sent by Springfield College, the seating arrangements, and what appears to be a copy of the words spoken by Springfield College President Dr. Frank Falcone at the celebration. There are three envelopes with the 1991 commemorative US postage stamp sent out by the Springfield College Sports News Bureau on the day of its issuance. In addition there are some pictures of the Hall, both outside and inside the hall taken at various time over its lifetime.
Of particular note are a group of materials from the November 6, 1961 Commemoration Day celebrations, the hundredth anniversary of Naismith’s birth. This includes invitations, tickets, a copy of a speech given on the day, programs, and the commemorative stamp that was released in honor of his birthday. Two of the programs are signed by the attendees of Commemoration Day, including one that is framed and was donated by Dave Behrend, Class of 1964. The signatures include Edward Hickox, James S. Naismith, and Ray Kaighn among many others (each program is signed by different people).
Finally, there are two folders containing a scrapbook of newspaper clippings, the bulk of which is from 1956 through the construction of the hall in 1968. It is unknown who collected these materials, but it was most likely someone in the marketing and communications office at Springfield College. Most of the articles have to do with the fund-raising and the construction of the building, a long and tumultuous experience.
Folder List
BOX FOLDER CONTENTS DATE DIGITAL
1 1 General Information NA No Digital Files
1 2 Architect Sketches (Munson & Mallis) 1959? No Digital Files
1 3 Lifetime Membership Certificate of Robert R. Thompson 1960 No Digital Files
1 4 Hall of Fame Key Chain 1950-1960? No Digital Files
1 5 National Association of Basketball Coaches Lists 1992 No Digital Files
1 6 National Association of Basketball Coaches Resolution on the Hall of Fame, 1966-03-24 No Digital Files
1 7 Naismith Memorial Fund 1940-1964 No Digital Files
1 8 Fund Raising Pamphlet (3 copies) Undated No Digital Files
1 9 Sebastian Miniature of Original Basketball Hall of Fame (number 237/2500) signed 1985 No Digital Files
2 1 News Articles on Commemoration Day 1961 No Digital Files
2 2 Commemoration Day: Invitation (1 complete set, 1 invitation only) 1961 No Digital Files
2 3 Commemoration Day: Tickets (2 + envelope they came in) 1961 No Digital Files
2 4 Commemoration Day: National Association of Basketball Ball pamphlet (2 copies) 1961 No Digital Files
2 5 Commemoration Day: Commemorative Stamp (Letter from Glen Olds, stamped envelope to Doris Fletcher of first day issued, and a mock up of stamp with text under it) 1961 No Digital Files
2 6 Commemoration Day: Programs (9 copies) 1961 No Digital Files
2 7 Commemoration Day: Address by Charles F. Weckwerth 1961 No Digital Files
2 8 Commemoration Day: Souvenir Programs (10 Copies) 1961 No Digital Files
2 9 Commemoration Day: Signed Souvenir Programs (1 framed , 1 not framed) 1961 No Digital Files
2 10 Pre-Opening Day Materials 1968-02-17 No Digital Files
2 11 Annual Report Mailing – 1956 1956 No Digital Files
2 12 Annual Report Mailing – 1959 1959 No Digital Files
2 13 Annual Report Mailing – 1960 1960 No Digital Files
2 14 Annual Report Mailing – 1961 1961 No Digital Files
2 15 Annual Report Mailing – 1962 1962 No Digital Files
2 16 “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” pamphlet Undated No Digital Files
2 17 “The Men Who Made History” pamphlet Undated No Digital Files
2 18 “Basketball Hall of Fame” pamphlet Undated No Digital Files
2 19 Basketball Hall of Fame Official Souvenir Book, c. 1977 1977? No Digital Files
2 20 Basketball Hall of Fame Official Souvenir Book, 1982 (signed by some inductees) 1982 No Digital Files
2 21 Basketball hall of Fame Official Souvenir Book Supplement (1982 Electees), 1983 1983 No Digital Files
2 22 Basketball Hall of Fame Official Souvenir Book Supplement (1983 Electees), 1984 1984 No Digital Files
2 23 Basketball Hall of Fame Official Souvenir Book Supplement (1984 Electees), 1985 1985 No Digital Files
2 24 Basketball Hall of Fame Gala Mailing with invitation 1982 No Digital Files
2 25 1991 Centennial Basketball Gala: Programs 1991 No Digital Files
2 26 1991 Centennial Basketball Gala: Invitations 1991 No Digital Files
2 27 1991 Centennial Basketball Gala: Misc. Materials from Springfield College, including Speech by President and invitation letters 1991 No Digital Files
2 28 1991 Centennial Basketball Gala: News Articles 1991 No Digital Files
2 29 1991 Centennial Commemorative Stamps: 3 envelopes with stamps, dated from day of release, August 28, 1991 & one with stamp from 1961 and 1991 1991 No Digital Files
3 1 International Basketball #10, 1981 “The Birthplace” (2 copies) 1981 No Digital Files
3 2 Miscellaneous Newspaper Articles 1959-1984? No Digital Files
3 3 Articles & Documents scrapbook collection – Folder 1 of 2 1956-1965? No Digital Files
3 4 Articles & Documents scrapbook collection – Folder 1 of 2 (gap in articles from 1969-1985) 1966-1982? No Digital Files
3 5 Photographs: Construction 1967-1968? Digital Files
3 6 Photographs: Exterior 1969-1984? Digital Files
3 7 Photographs: Interior 1969-1984? Digital Files
3 8 Photographs: People Undated No Digital Files
3 9 Photographs: New Hall of Fame (2nd Hall) Undated No Digital Files
3 10 1941 Sketch of proposed of the hall by the Naismith Memorial Committee 1941 No Digital Files

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SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE
ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
RECORD GROUP NUMBER
RG 147
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Building Records,
ca. 1956-1990
Written by
Jeffrey Monseau
November, 2011
Shelf space occupied 1.2 linear feet
Number of boxes 3 box
INFORMATION ON USE OF THE COLLECTION
TERMS OF ACCESS AND USE
Unrestricted
PREFERRED CITATION
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information (in addition to any other information required by the citation style being used):
RG147 – Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Building Records, box #, folder #, Archives and Special Collections, Springfield College, Springfield, Mass.
HISTORY OF THE COLLECTION
There was no formal acquisition of the materials for this collection. The collection is artificially created. Materials were received from different places at different times. The Acquisition sources and dates of the materials are unknown.
Collection arranged by Jeffrey Monseau, November, 2011.
ARRANGEMENT
Since this is an artificially created collection there is no original order to the overall collection. The collection is organized as follows: general information, newspaper articles, facilities materials, dedication materials, and photographs of the exterior of the building. Where ever possible the original order of the folder was kept, this is particularly true for the “Articles & Documents Scrapbook Collection” Folders. Digitized materials are in the order they were scanned.
RELATED MATERIALS
In Archives and Special Collections, Springfield College, Springfield, Mass.:
Digital Collections – For all Digital Images of Photographs and Documents
RG 110- Springfield College Building and Grounds Records
Springfield College Trustee Records
Springfield College Marketing and Communication Records--Scrapbooks and News Clippings
RG 114 – Allied Health Sciences Center Records
Office of the President, Glenn Olds Records
School of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies Records
Springfield College Yearbook Collection
Springfield College Catalog Collection
Springfield College Newspaper Collection
Collections outside of Springfield College
Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, Mass.
SEARCH TERMS AND SUBJECTS
The following terms represent persons, organizations, and topics documented in this collection.
International Young Men’s Christian Association College
Springfield College
Springfield College--Buildings
Allied Health Sciences Center
Basketball Hall of Fame
Basketball--History
Hickok, Edward J.
Naismith, James, 1861-1939
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame first opened to the public on February 18, 1968 as an independent entity on the Springfield College campus. The original Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was constructed on the Springfield College Campus because of the college’s deep connections to the sport of basketball. After all, it was where Dr. James Naismith, a faculty member at Springfield College, in 1891 first hung up the peach baskets that were the forerunners of today’s hoops. In addition, along with Naismith, Dr. Edward Hickox was the driving force behind the Hall’s creation and many members of the College’s faculty have sat on national rules committee since the creation of basketball until today.
Ground was broken for the construction of the Basketball Hall of Fame on September 11, 1959. Then, on November 6, 1961, a Basketball Commemoration Day was held in the Memorial Field House at Springfield College to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of James Naismith, as well as the 70th anniversary of the birth of the game, which would be in December. More than 2,500 guests gathered on the campus to pay tribute to the popular sport, including former players, coaches, and officials. The Hall of Fame Cornerstone Ceremony was held on this same day.
Although ground was broken for the Hall of Fame in 1959, the building was not completed until l968. Mostly this was due to the difficulty of securing the funds necessary to build the hall. The estimated cost of the first wing of the building was $400,000 and the total estimated cost of the Basketball Hall of Fame was $1,156,400. Originally the first wing of the building was hoped to be completed on November 6, 1961, the same day as the Commemoration Ceremony, a goal that was not realized. In a May 1963 monthly report and news bulletin for the Hall of Fame, money still needed to be donated in hopes of opening the Naismith Wing of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame before the end of 1964. The total amount raised at that time was only $195,000, meaning that not even half of the money needed to complete first phase had been raised. The money was finally raised, and, at long last, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame was completed in 1968. On Sunday, February 18, 1968 the building was opened to the public. A special “Pre-view” Open House was offered on Saturday, February 17th for news, media, local donors, and all members of Springfield College faculty and staff.
Interestingly enough, the Hall of Fame was built in the shape of a basketball court: rectangular. The building housed a living history of basketball, in which a museum, library, auditorium, gymnasium, Honors Court for inductees, a film storage room, and display booths were constructed. The heart of the building was the Honors Court. Each basketball pioneer had their own ten foot high window made of Lucite. The shape and style of these windows, known as lancet windows, were common architectural features of gothic churches and cathedrals. The Honors Court was created using lancet windows and 'stained-glass' which have strong religious associations, dim lighting, and an intimate setting in effort to create a chapel-like setting. This effort was made not only to honor Hall of Famers but also to honor Naismith's connection to his religion. The room also contained a statue of Dr. Naismith and a case exhibiting the first rules of the game of basketball. When the Basketball Hall of Fame was moved to downtown Springfield, these windows were sent to the institutions associated with the Inductees. Springfield College’s Inductees windows are held in the Physical Education Complex, outside of Blake Arena.
The building also housed a replica of the original court where the first game was played, the School for Christian Workers, as Springfield College was originally known when it was founded in 1885, building on the corner of State and Sherman streets in Springfield, Massachusetts. The court was based on the original dimensions of the gymnasium, though scaled down in size. It had a circular hole in the ceiling that acted as a balcony where visitors could look down on the court from the floor above. The court included the progression of how basketball hoops changed over time, including the peach baskets. Nearby, lining the sidelines of the court, were exhibits, including one with the uniforms worn by the Original Boston Celtics, an Olympic Games Basketball Championships exhibit, and other memorabilia. The museum itself contained souvenirs, and notes about the founder, former players, coaches, teams, and institutions.
The Edward J. and Gena G. Hickox library was also housed inside the building. It contained complete historical coverage of the game to the present time as well as books, magazines, papers, and other printed materials pertaining to basketball for the purpose of providing a working library for students of the game.
In an article dated February 16, 1969, nearly a year after the Hall of Fame had been finished; about 16,500 visitors came through the turnstiles. In fact, 1,198 people visited the Hall of Fame on the first day it was open to the public. Also, $72,000 had been collected over the year, contributing to the Hall of Fame’s success.
The Hall of Fame building was reverted to Springfield College in 1985 when the original building outgrew its quarters. The Hall of Fame’s Board elected to move the museum to a site adjacent to U.S. Interstate Highway, I-91, on the banks of the Connecticut River in downtown Springfield. This $13 million project was completed in June, 1985. The third and present Hall of Fame was built directly next this building, opening in 2002.
After the Hall of Fame left, Springfield College President Frank S. Falcone announced his plan to spend $1.6 million to renovate the former Hall of Fame into a center for integrated instruction, research, and community service for those in Health Related Professions (HRPs). The renovated building was completed in September, 1988 and dedicated on April 13, 1989. At the ceremony, leading donors were recognized, including Trustee Thomas B. Wheeler, President of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, spoke at the dedication. The building is now called the Allied Health Sciences Center.
CHRONOLOGY
1959 Sept. 11th- Ground broken for the construction of the James Naismith Basketball Hall of
Fame
1961 Nov. 6th- Basketball Commemoration Day at Springfield College Memorial Field House
1961 Nov. 6th- Hall of Fame Cornerstone Ceremony
1963 May- So far only $195,000 out of $400,000 raised for construction of first wing
1964 September- Goal of reaching $250,000 in Greater Springfield area complete with a total
of $251,749.11.
1968 Feb. 18th- Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame construction completed on Springfield
College’s Campus and was first opened to the public; museum was an independent entity
1969 Feb. 16th- Nearly one year after opening, 16,500 visitors attended the Hall of Fame total,
raising $72,000
1985 Basketball Hall of Fame is reverted to Springfield College
1985 June- Hall of Fame is replaced by $13 million museum located in its current site adjacent
to I-91
1987 President Frank S. Falcone’s report highlights the need for a building to house HRPs
1987 Former Hall of Fame renovated during the spring to be the new Allied Health Sciences
Center
1988 September- Allied Health Sciences Center completed
1989 April 13th- Dedication of Allied Health Sciences Center
1989 April 13th- Thomas B. Wheeler, President of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
Company and Chairman of local campaign committee speaks at Dedication Ceremony
SCOPE AND CONTENT
This collection documents Basketball Hall of Fame Building from its conception in the 1950’s to its dedication in 1968 and its life as the Basketball Hall of Fame until it was closed in 1985 and eventually changed into the Allied Health Sciences Center. The collection contains a variety of materials including photographs of the original Architect Sketches by Munson and Mallis, Inc. of Springfield, Mass. The sketches are contained in a portfolio prepared by them, a lifetime certificate of Membership to the Basketball Hall of Fame for Robert R. Thompson, National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) lists of membership up to 1992, and a Naismith Memorial Fund binder containing donation information to the fund up to 1945. Of particular interest is a document outlining the NABC Resolution on the Hall of Fame, dated March 24, 1966, complete Annual Report Mailings (with original mailing envelopes) from 1952-1962 (some missing – see folder list), and some official Basketball Hall of Fame Souvenir Booklets, including a 1982 one that is signed by some of the inductees to the Hall. There are materials from the 100th anniversary celebration in 1991 at the Basketball Hall of Fame, including invitations, programs, the commemorative stamp and Springfield College specific information including special invitations sent by Springfield College, the seating arrangements, and what appears to be a copy of the words spoken by Springfield College President Dr. Frank Falcone at the celebration. There are three envelopes with the 1991 commemorative US postage stamp sent out by the Springfield College Sports News Bureau on the day of its issuance. In addition there are some pictures of the Hall, both outside and inside the hall taken at various time over its lifetime.
Of particular note are a group of materials from the November 6, 1961 Commemoration Day celebrations, the hundredth anniversary of Naismith’s birth. This includes invitations, tickets, a copy of a speech given on the day, programs, and the commemorative stamp that was released in honor of his birthday. Two of the programs are signed by the attendees of Commemoration Day, including one that is framed and was donated by Dave Behrend, Class of 1964. The signatures include Edward Hickox, James S. Naismith, and Ray Kaighn among many others (each program is signed by different people).
Finally, there are two folders containing a scrapbook of newspaper clippings, the bulk of which is from 1956 through the construction of the hall in 1968. It is unknown who collected these materials, but it was most likely someone in the marketing and communications office at Springfield College. Most of the articles have to do with the fund-raising and the construction of the building, a long and tumultuous experience.
Folder List
BOX FOLDER CONTENTS DATE DIGITAL
1 1 General Information NA No Digital Files
1 2 Architect Sketches (Munson & Mallis) 1959? No Digital Files
1 3 Lifetime Membership Certificate of Robert R. Thompson 1960 No Digital Files
1 4 Hall of Fame Key Chain 1950-1960? No Digital Files
1 5 National Association of Basketball Coaches Lists 1992 No Digital Files
1 6 National Association of Basketball Coaches Resolution on the Hall of Fame, 1966-03-24 No Digital Files
1 7 Naismith Memorial Fund 1940-1964 No Digital Files
1 8 Fund Raising Pamphlet (3 copies) Undated No Digital Files
1 9 Sebastian Miniature of Original Basketball Hall of Fame (number 237/2500) signed 1985 No Digital Files
2 1 News Articles on Commemoration Day 1961 No Digital Files
2 2 Commemoration Day: Invitation (1 complete set, 1 invitation only) 1961 No Digital Files
2 3 Commemoration Day: Tickets (2 + envelope they came in) 1961 No Digital Files
2 4 Commemoration Day: National Association of Basketball Ball pamphlet (2 copies) 1961 No Digital Files
2 5 Commemoration Day: Commemorative Stamp (Letter from Glen Olds, stamped envelope to Doris Fletcher of first day issued, and a mock up of stamp with text under it) 1961 No Digital Files
2 6 Commemoration Day: Programs (9 copies) 1961 No Digital Files
2 7 Commemoration Day: Address by Charles F. Weckwerth 1961 No Digital Files
2 8 Commemoration Day: Souvenir Programs (10 Copies) 1961 No Digital Files
2 9 Commemoration Day: Signed Souvenir Programs (1 framed , 1 not framed) 1961 No Digital Files
2 10 Pre-Opening Day Materials 1968-02-17 No Digital Files
2 11 Annual Report Mailing – 1956 1956 No Digital Files
2 12 Annual Report Mailing – 1959 1959 No Digital Files
2 13 Annual Report Mailing – 1960 1960 No Digital Files
2 14 Annual Report Mailing – 1961 1961 No Digital Files
2 15 Annual Report Mailing – 1962 1962 No Digital Files
2 16 “Necessity is the Mother of Invention” pamphlet Undated No Digital Files
2 17 “The Men Who Made History” pamphlet Undated No Digital Files
2 18 “Basketball Hall of Fame” pamphlet Undated No Digital Files
2 19 Basketball Hall of Fame Official Souvenir Book, c. 1977 1977? No Digital Files
2 20 Basketball Hall of Fame Official Souvenir Book, 1982 (signed by some inductees) 1982 No Digital Files
2 21 Basketball hall of Fame Official Souvenir Book Supplement (1982 Electees), 1983 1983 No Digital Files
2 22 Basketball Hall of Fame Official Souvenir Book Supplement (1983 Electees), 1984 1984 No Digital Files
2 23 Basketball Hall of Fame Official Souvenir Book Supplement (1984 Electees), 1985 1985 No Digital Files
2 24 Basketball Hall of Fame Gala Mailing with invitation 1982 No Digital Files
2 25 1991 Centennial Basketball Gala: Programs 1991 No Digital Files
2 26 1991 Centennial Basketball Gala: Invitations 1991 No Digital Files
2 27 1991 Centennial Basketball Gala: Misc. Materials from Springfield College, including Speech by President and invitation letters 1991 No Digital Files
2 28 1991 Centennial Basketball Gala: News Articles 1991 No Digital Files
2 29 1991 Centennial Commemorative Stamps: 3 envelopes with stamps, dated from day of release, August 28, 1991 & one with stamp from 1961 and 1991 1991 No Digital Files
3 1 International Basketball #10, 1981 “The Birthplace” (2 copies) 1981 No Digital Files
3 2 Miscellaneous Newspaper Articles 1959-1984? No Digital Files
3 3 Articles & Documents scrapbook collection – Folder 1 of 2 1956-1965? No Digital Files
3 4 Articles & Documents scrapbook collection – Folder 1 of 2 (gap in articles from 1969-1985) 1966-1982? No Digital Files
3 5 Photographs: Construction 1967-1968? Digital Files
3 6 Photographs: Exterior 1969-1984? Digital Files
3 7 Photographs: Interior 1969-1984? Digital Files
3 8 Photographs: People Undated No Digital Files
3 9 Photographs: New Hall of Fame (2nd Hall) Undated No Digital Files
3 10 1941 Sketch of proposed of the hall by the Naismith Memorial Committee 1941 No Digital Files

Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Babson Library, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.